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Professional Penetration Test Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OCH Technologies LLC

Penetration Testing Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... test reports that provide actionable, technically sound findings and recommendations ... The ideal candidate is an experienced offensive security professional who combines advanced ...

OCH Technologies LLC

Penetration Testing Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... test reports that provide actionable, technically sound findings and recommendations ... The ideal candidate is an experienced offensive security professional who combines advanced ...

OCH Technologies LLC

Penetration Testing Lead

Washington, DC · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... test reports that provide actionable, technically sound findings and recommendations ... The ideal candidate is an experienced offensive security professional who combines advanced ...

Techximius

Penetration Test Engineer

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$165K - $195K/yr

Penetration Test Engineer Overview Tech(x) is an energized company with experienced, specialized and progressive thought leaders progressing talented professionals in areas of technology, security ...

BreachLock

Senior Penetration Tester (US)

Execute web application, API and mobile penetration tests with a focus on manual testing beyond ... professional penetration testing experience in a delivery or consulting context * Strong web ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Support the Red Cell Team by performing and leading penetration tests to assess the security of ... ISC2 Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP) * ISC2 Certified Cloud Security ...

SkyePoint Decisions

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA

$95K - $112K/yr

Support the Red Cell Team by performing and leading penetration tests to assess the security of ... ISC2 Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP) * ISC2 Certified Cloud Security ...

Peraton

Penetration Tester

Arlington, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Support the Red Cell Team by performing and leading penetration tests to assess the security of ... ISC2 Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP) * ISC2 Certified Cloud Security ...

Barclays

NJ · Hybrid

$170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... professionals for this role. What will you be doing? Barclays Services Corp. seeks Penetration Tester, AVP (multiple positions) in Whippany, NJ: * Scope and execute penetration tests and code review ...

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All JobsProfessional Penetration Test Jobs

Professional Penetration Test information

See salary details

$22.5K

$119.9K

$168.5K

How much do professional penetration test jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional penetration test in the United States is $119,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional penetration tester?

Professional penetration testers, often called 'pen testers,' are cybersecurity experts who simulate cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, or applications to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Their job is to assess security defenses, uncover weaknesses, and provide recommendations for remediation. Penetration testers use a combination of automated tools and manual techniques, operating with permission from the organization to ensure ethical and legal compliance. Their work helps companies strengthen their security posture and protect sensitive information.

What are some common challenges professional penetration testers face when conducting assessments for clients?

Professional Penetration Testers often encounter challenges such as limited timeframes for comprehensive testing, varying levels of client preparedness, and restricted access to certain systems due to organizational policies. Additionally, clear communication with non-technical stakeholders can be essential to ensure findings are accurately understood and acted upon. Balancing thorough testing with minimal disruption to client operations is also a frequent consideration in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional penetration tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Penetration Tester, you need in-depth knowledge of networking, operating systems, security protocols, and common vulnerabilities, often supported by a degree in cybersecurity or computer science. Proficiency with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and certifications like OSCP or CEH are typically expected. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and clear communication help standout testers effectively assess systems and report findings. These skills ensure accurate vulnerability identification and effective communication with stakeholders to improve overall security posture.

What is the difference between Professional Penetration Test vs Ethical Hacker?

AspectProfessional Penetration TestEthical Hacker
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, CISSPOSCP, CEH, CISSP
Work EnvironmentConducted for organizations to identify vulnerabilitiesMay include bug bounty programs, security assessments
Employer & Industry UsageCompanies, cybersecurity firms, government agenciesSecurity firms, freelance, bug bounty platforms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, certifications, scopeSimilar skills, broader hacking activities

Both roles require similar certifications and work in cybersecurity environments, but a Professional Penetration Test typically refers to a formal, client-specific security assessment, while an Ethical Hacker may engage in broader hacking activities, including bug bounty programs. The penetration test is a structured process, whereas ethical hacking can be more exploratory.

What cities are hiring for Professional Penetration Test jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Penetration Test job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Penetration Test jobs?

The most popular types of Penetration Test jobs are:

What states have the most Professional Penetration Test jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Penetration Test jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Professional Penetration Test jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Penetration Test jobs are:

Professional Penetration Test jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Penetration Test job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,895 per year, or $57.6 per hour.

Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker

Bayswater Consulting Group

Atlanta, GA • Remote

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker

About the Role

We are working with a client seeking a skilled Penetration Tester for a full-time, direct hire opportunity. This is a fully remote position open to candidates across the United States.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and execute penetration tests across network, application, cloud, and social engineering attack surfaces
  • Simulate real-world attack techniques to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors do
  • Conduct web application security assessments including OWASP Top 10 and beyond
  • Perform internal and external network penetration testing and red team exercises
  • Document findings clearly and thoroughly in professional reports tailored to both technical and executive audiences
  • Communicate risk clearly — not just what was found, but what it means and how to fix it
  • Collaborate with security and engineering teams to validate remediation of identified vulnerabilities
  • Stay current on emerging attack techniques, tools, CVEs, and threat intelligence
  • Contribute to the development of internal testing methodologies, playbooks, and tooling

Requirements

  • 3+ years of experience in penetration testing or offensive security
  • Proficiency with penetration testing tools — Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, Cobalt Strike, or similar
  • Strong understanding of network protocols, operating systems, and application architecture
  • Experience with web application testing including API security assessment
  • Familiarity with Active Directory attack paths and privilege escalation techniques
  • Ability to write clear, professional penetration testing reports for both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Strong understanding of common vulnerability classes and exploitation techniques
  • Self-directed and able to manage engagements independently in a remote environment

Nice to Have

  • Certifications — OSCP, CEH, GPEN, GWAPT, or similar offensive security credentials
  • Experience with cloud penetration testing — AWS, Azure, or GCP environments
  • Familiarity with red team operations and adversary simulation frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK
  • Experience with social engineering assessments including phishing simulations
  • Knowledge of compliance frameworks — PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2, or FedRAMP
  • Bug bounty participation or responsible disclosure history
  • Scripting experience in Python, Bash, or PowerShell for custom tooling

Compensation

$110,000 — $150,000 base salary depending on experience. Full benefits package available.

Location

Fully remote — United States.